Valentina Shevchenko’s coach reveals injury that forced Shevchenko to vacate flyweight title

Valentina Shevchenko, one of the most dominant champions in UFC history, has vacated her flyweight title due to a significant back and shoulder injury that will sideline her for approximately a year.

Shevchenko's coach, Pavel Fedotov, revealed that the two-division champion sustained ligament damage to her shoulder and back that forced the difficult decision to step away from competition. She had been scheduled to defend her title against Natalia Silva at UFC 332 in Salt Lake City on October 3, but the injury made competing unfeasible.

"We were supposed to fight on Oct. 3 against Natalia Silva, but due to an injury to the ligaments in the shoulder and back, we decided not to push things and postpone the fight," Fedotov explained. "Given that the recovery will take a long time, we've made the decision to temporarily vacate the belt, and once she recovers, she will fight for it again."

With Shevchenko's departure, Silva and Wang Cong will now compete for the vacant flyweight crown at UFC 332. The announcement surprised many in the MMA community given Shevchenko's status as one of the sport's most accomplished fighters, boasting nine consecutive title defenses and ranking tied for fourth all-time in UFC title fight wins. The plan is for Shevchenko to mount a comeback challenge for the belt following her recovery from the ligament injury.